New Government Watchdog Report Raises Concerns About Lack of Faculty Diversity
“Research has shown that faculty diversity plays an important role in student completion and can have a major impact on students’ sense of belonging and retention rates.”
WASHINGTON—Today, Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) and Higher Education and Workforce Development Subcommittee Ranking Member Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) released a new report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) titled “Higher Education: Employment Discrimination Case Referrals between Education and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Could Be Improved.”
The GAO found that while overall faculty diversity has increased in recent years, it is still not representative of the students they serve. Specifically, in 2021, eight percent of faculty were Black compared to 12 percent of students, and seven percent were Hispanic compared to 19 percent of students. These findings support compounding evidence that a lack of faculty diversity impacts student outcomes and well-being.
Frustratingly, the report also found that the Department of Education is slow to refer discrimination complaints against colleges to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) for investigation, potentially causing faculty to face additional discrimination and lower pay.
“Research has shown that faculty diversity plays an important role in student completion and can have a major impact on students’ sense of belonging and retention rates. That is why I asked the GAO to study the state of faculty diversity at institutions of higher education and the hiring and retention policies to promote faculty diversity,” said Ranking Member Scott. “The good news is that faculty diversity has improved over the last twenty years. The bad news is that faculty diversity is still not representative of the students they teach. Moreover, the GAO found that the process for faculty to file discrimination claims is not always straightforward or intuitive. And if a faculty member is able to file a claim, it is not always reviewed in a timely manner. I am encouraged that the Administration has agreed to implement the GAO’s recommendations to improve the claims process.”
“As our population diversifies, so should our college faculty. Yet, for too long, our higher education institutions have fallen short in reflecting the rich tapestry of our nation. It's time for a change. This report highlights the stark lack of diversity among faculty members of color. While progress is underway, we must redouble our efforts to enhance diversity in our college campuses,” said Ranking Member Wilson. “Diversity isn't a weakness; it's a strength. Increasing diversity will not only foster a more inclusive environment but also enrich the college experience for all students. As MAGA Republicans push their agenda, stripping initiatives like affirmative action and fueling baseless culture wars that antagonize our students, colleges and policymakers must prioritize diversity more than ever. This report underscores the ongoing task of enhancing diversity on our college campuses, ensuring they reflect the diverse fabric of our nation.”
In 2021, Ranking Members Scott (VA-03) and Wilson (FL-24) requested the GAO review faculty diversity at institutions of higher education and steps taken by federal agencies to promote faculty diversity and prevent racial discrimination.
While the Department of Education and the EEOC have processes in place to respond to employment discrimination complaints, timeliness and tracking issues prompted GAO to make recommendations to each agency that will help ensure timely and complete processing of all discrimination complaints. The Department of Education agreed with GAO’s recommendation, however the EEOC did not agree nor disagree with GAO’s recommendation but indicates that it is taking related action.
To read the full report, entitled, “Higher Education: Employment Discrimination Case Referrals between Education and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Could Be Improved,” click here.
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